SPORTS

Houston Rockets fire coach Kevin McHale: AP source

Kristie Rieken The Associated Press
Published Wednesday, November 18, 2015 11:02AM EST

In this Oct. 6, 2015, file photo, Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale walks off the court after an NBA basketball preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP / Brandon Dill)

Text:

HOUSTON - A person familiar with the decision says the Houston Rockets have fired coach Kevin McHale after the team started the season 4-7.

Assistant J. B. Bickerstaff will take over as interim head coach, according to the person who spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been announced.

McHale was in his fifth season with Houston and is coming off a 56-26 season where the Rockets reached the Western Conference finals for the first time since 1997. The 57-year-old Hall of Fame player went 193-130 with the Rockets.

The Rockets opened the season with three straight losses, won four in a row and are now in a four-game skid.